Survival Friday: One Log DIY Rocket Stove

One of the most common questions that I am asked from non-prepper friends and acquaintances is what exactly is a rocket stove and how do I get one. I try not to roll my eyes over this because although rocket stoves are common among campers, backpacking enthusiasts and former boy scouts, they are a relative unknown to city dwellers and individuals that do not spend a lot of time outdoors.

According to Wikipedia, a rocket stove is an efficient cooking stove using small diameter wood fuel which is burned in a simple high-temperature combustion chamber containing an insulated vertical chimney that ensures complete combustion prior to the flames reaching the cooking surface.

Seems simple enough, especially when you consider that rocket stoves are found more commonly in third world countries where wood fuel sources are scarce so an efficient system for converting twigs, branches, pinecones, leaves and other bits of biomass to fuel is essential to cooking.

There are a number of commercial versions available and indeed, I own both the Solo Stove and the EcoZoom Versa. On the other hand, if you are a bit handy with some basic tools, you can build your own for as little as a dollar or too. All it takes is a bit on interest and a bit of work.

Last month I connected with Ken Youngquist at SurvivalTek regarding a unique rocket stove that he built from a log her found on his property. The advantage of this particular rocket stove was that it was elevated, making it easy on the back while feeding fire or cooking. Not only that, it kept you off of the damp ground, which, depending on where you live, is a big plus.

I was fascinated by the one log rocket stove and shared it over on Facebook where it received a ton of comments. Today, on Survival Friday, I share it with you.

The One Log Rocket Stove

Years ago I wrote about how to make “The Swedish Log Candle” and have since noticed many variations of the same theme appear throughout the internet. While log candles can be used for cooking, rocket stoves in general have been a popular topic as well. There are now a number of various rocket stoves that are made out of a single log, similar in effect to a log candle. After viewing several videos on one log rocket stoves I decided to try it out for myself.

Although I believe pine would be a preferred wood, I used a seasoned poplar log that I had available. I recommend using a corded high-torque drill for this process. I set the 14″ log upright and used a 1 1/2″ blade bit to drill a 6″ deep hole down the center from the top. Then I laid the log on it’s side and drilled a second hole, intersecting the first hole at it’s bottom end.

Just a note: at the point of intersection, a blade bit can give a hellacious “kick” so be careful as you approach that point. After blowing out the saw dust I set the log upright to begin preparing it for fire.

As long as I took the liberty of using an electric drill to make a natural material rocket stove, I also took the liberty of using a manufactured tinder by using bamboo skewers. Purists can figure a way to approach this project more naturally but I figured “who cares? This is fun!”

I collected a bundle that was about a third of the volume of the hole and poured gasoline on it and the hole walls before inserting them down the shaft. It’s important to “wet” vs. “flood” so as not to have the fluid stream out the bottom hole. Use caution when lighting it with a match or lighter. In this case gasoline was handy but other accelerants would work as well.

Conventional rocket stoves have larger diameter holes and thus fuel can be fed from the bottom hole. When I tried this approach it seemed to choke out the airway and snuff out the existing flame, so I recommend feeding any kindling from the top during the initial process of establishing the stove’s fire.

Once the flame was established I selected three 1″ high stones that I placed around the top surface of the log which became the tripod or trivet for my pot and pan. I initially brought a pot of water to boil for coffee, then continued with a pan with which to fry bacon and eggs.

Although this rocket stove takes some “manufacturing” to make, it is a great project for a number of reasons. These can be made ahead of time and stored for power outages, camping trips and garden gatherings. Outside of a little tinder and some accelerant, they are self contained and don’t require the gathering and consumption of local natural materials. They can be controlled and extinguished by using a spray bottle of water and thus can be used multiple times. Because it is elevated, it can also be used in a wet environment.

Furthermore, they last for hours and are a joy to use.

About Ken Youngquist: SurvivalTek is the creation of Ken Youngquist, a guy who from his youth was captivated by primitive living skills, and in his adulthood, was intrigued by the television Series MacGyver. The result has been the study and practice of survival skills, and the desire to pass on the mantle of preparedness to others. SurvivalTek contains almost 6 years of weekly articles that support subjects of interest to those of us wanting to learn more about survival and preparedness techniques.

The Final Word

Having the ability to cook outdoors is so important that I tend to write about the various options frequently. This is definitely an area where one size does not fit all. Whether you prefer to build one yourself using Ken’s method, build one using the method described in Building a DIY Rocket Stoveor purchase one outright, there are a number of options available to insure that you will be able to cook when the grid is down.

And just when you think you are all set, don’t forget to practice using your rocket stove! As with all survival skills, practice makes perfect. Learning how to build a fire in your rocket stove and how to cook with it is an all-important task that should be done 3 or 4 times a year, just for practice sake.

The bonus is that you might actually have a bit of fun in the process. And who can argue with that?

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!Gaye

If you have not done so already, please be sure to like Facebook which is updated every time there is an awesome new article, news byte, or link to a free survival, prepping or homesteading book on Amazon. You can also follow Backdoor Survival on Pinterest.

Zippo Street Chrome Pocket Lighter: Zippo has been creating virtually indestructible, windproof refillable lighters for more than 75 years. The Zippo Street Chrome pocket lighter is no exception. This lighter features a classic textured chrome finish and carries the same lifetime guarantee–to either work or be fixed by Zippo free of charge–for life. This lighter uses butane fuel. All wearable parts including flints and wicks are replaceable. Every prepper should own at least one Zippo!

US Forge 400 Welding Gloves Lined Leather: These well-priced gloves provide complete heat and burn protection. They are made of soft and supple top grain leather for comfort and pliability, plus they have an internal liner gives more comfort and durability. These will keep you hands and arms safe while cooking outdoors over an open fire.

Ove Glove Hot Surface Handler, 2 ct I cannot say enough about these hand and arm protectors. I have permanent scars from hitting my arm on the rack of my oven. I can only imagine what I would look like if I did not use these with my cast iron cookware. Forget the colorful silicon hot pads. These are 1000 times better!

Lodge Logic 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet: This purchase changed the way I cook. I use my cast iron cookware for everything from salmon, to bacon and eggs, to biscuits. For under $20, there is no excuse not to own this survival basic.

Swedish Firesteel: Using this basic pocket fire-starter, you can get a nice fire going under almost any conditions.

Light My Fire Tinder Sticks: Some people prefer to purchase tinder and this is a good choice. I like to use cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly that I make up myself, a couple dozen at a time. They store well in a small Ziploc baggie or re-purposed mint tin.

Solo Stove: I was so impressed that I renamed this the “Amazing Little Solo Stove”. The price is $69.99 but for a small amount more, you can get a version that also burns alcohol.

Lodge Cast-Iron Camp Dutch Oven: I originally purchased this Dutch oven because it was so darn cute. But over time, I have learned to love it for its versatility. Remember, a camp stove is designed so that you can bake with it by arranging charcoal on top of the lid as well as underneath the Dutch Oven itself.bows – are on sale at $49.99 or 41% off. These are great candles, even for non-emergency purposes.

The monthly specials at Emergency Essentials feature discounts of up to 35% off sometimes a bit more.

This month, the Tote-able Toilet with 2 Enzyme Packets is on sale for $14.95. I priced purchasing the bucket and toilet seat lid separately and found that it was more economical to pick up this kit. I am planning to fill the bucket with other sanitation supplies plus, of course, plenty of TP.

I also recommend the Mobile Washer. This is hand operated washing machine. Like a plunger, it uses a technique of pushing and pulling the water through clothes to clean them well without wearing them out. It uses a minimum of water and less soap due to the agitation motion. Use in a bucket (5-gallon suggested), sink or tub. The best part is the price – only $14.95.

These are just two of the items on sale this month at Emergency Essentials. Click on the link below for more great deals from Emergency Essentials.

Like this and want more?

Need something from Amazon (and who doesn’t)? I earn a small commission from purchases made when you begin your Amazon shopping experience here. You still get great Amazon service and the price is the same, no matter what.

Comments

1) A pair of garden pruners cuts up twigs very quickly and you can gain a pile of the stuff, cutting to your stoves’ exact size. Much faster than breaking it up by hand or stepping on it and twisting – pulling, etc.

2) If you are stuck with larger wood stock, a hammer can smash it down to splinters for convenient stove size. Yes, that IS loud. You can cover with jacket or other material to quiet that down somewhat. Bonus – material does not get thrown away, as material contains it. That is hard on the material.

3) A lot of campers use the last minutes of their hike gathering tinder as they near camp. Saves them a trip gathering it afterwards.

4) Small stoves heat faster when a wind screen or landscaping reduces the effects of wind. Pick your burn site with this in mind – it can save you some troubles later on.

Gaye, I am assuming that after you get the fire going you don’t have to keep putting the wood in the air hole. It just burns the inside of the log. I have seen videos of splitting a log in too, and then splitting each half again, whittle out a little wood, half way up the inside, whittle a little hole in two of the quarters opposite each other. Then put all 4 pieces back together and wrap with something to hold it together and light. Go ahead and ask me what I held it together with……Duck tape.
You had better get back on line soon or someone will be taking over this website.

ya know…. if you don’t wanna take the time to fabricate your stove by drilling , cutting or a stove that consumes itself after several uses…. I have always made a quick stove from a couple old cement blocks sittin around… take your hammer or anthing you have handy, and break one block in half, leaving one side intact, and this is your “chimney”, then on another whole block, take your beatin tool and bust out about a third of the web between the two chambers … this will be the little hole you feed the fuel thru… now sit your “chimney” over one of the open chambers on the whole block below and drop your fuel in the top and start your little fire and then you can feed additional fuel thru the little hole in the web between chambers on the bottom block… hope you can see what i meant

Connect with Me

MEET GAYE

I'm Gaye, just an ordinary gal trying to make sense of our changing world. I am addicted to prepping, DIY projects, adult coloring books, and ballroom dancing. I live what I call a strategic life and believe you should too. Everyone needs to prepare for the worst and live for the best. Won't you join me?

Categories

BEST PRICES ON AMMO

NEW EDITION JUNE 2016

A frequent question I get on Backdoor Survival has to do with healthcare matters when there is no doctor around. This is the definite source of survival medical information for all Prepper’s and is my go-to bible for survival medicine.

VOTE FOR BACKDOOR SURVIVAL

EBOOK ONLY 99 CENTS + AVAILABLE IN PRINT!

NOTE

BackdoorSurvival.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Health, Wellness, & Survival Medicine

Disclosure: Some of the links on this website may be affiliate links. When you make a purchase from these links, I earn a small commission. While commissions allow me to keep this site 100% free, I only endorse products I use myself and trust.